Halloween is one of the world’s oldest holidays still celebrated today. Decorating for this holiday is fun, but you should take care not to compromise HVAC efficiency as you get into the spirit of the spooky season. Read on to learn how your Halloween decorations can affect your HVAC system and what you can do to avoid any safety issues.
Obstructed Airflow
If you’re planning to fill your home with life-sized witches, plastic mummies, and other monstrous Halloween figures, be conscious of where you put them. They can accidentally block your air vents, obstructing the airflow through your heating and cooling system. This will reduce the system’s efficiency and strain its components, placing them at risk of failing prematurely. Small decorations are equally dangerous. Avoid putting them in areas where they could end up dropping into the air vents and blocking your system.
Fake spider webs are popular Halloween decorations. Don’t hang them on the trees above the outdoor HVAC unit. Their fibers — as well as bits of paper or cloth from other ghost decorations — could impede airflow if they fall into the unit. The unit can overheat as a result. Don’t put any small decorations on or near the unit.
Fire
Candles and other open flames could cause a fire if placed near the indoor unit of furnaces powered by propane or gasoline. Avoid setting them near your unit. Use as few candles as possible inside your home. Also, only use high-quality candles, which produce less soot. That’s because soot can build up inside your ducts and reduce your home’s air quality.
Don’t place open flames near air vents. The airflow from the vents will spread soot throughout your home and can even start a fire if they blow sparks too far.
Follow the safety practices above to ensure you have lots of spooky fun this Halloween without compromising on HVAC efficiency and safety. If you need more HVAC tips or services in the Lorain area, don’t hesitate to contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We have more than 50 years of combined HVAC experience.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area